Wanstead captain Joe Ellis-Grewal is hoping to tune in and see his side clinch the Hamro Foundation Essex League Premier Division title on Saturday.

The Herons were left needing just one more point against Chingford to be crowned champions, after losing at Colchester last weekend.

They are 40 points clear of nearest rivals Hadleigh & Thundersley with two games left and visit them on the last day of the campaign.

And Ellis-Grewal, who is attending a wedding in Portugal with several other members of the side this weekend, said: "It will be nice to get that last point and hopefully also get a win.

"Chingford usually do well against us but are struggling a bit. It's more opportunity for the youngsters and hopefully we can get the livestream up to watch."

Put into bat at Castle Park, Wanstead saw young opener Zoraiz Saeed score 43 as they slipped to 89-3.

Ilford Recorder: Zoraiz Saeed (left) and Kishen Velani of Wanstead at Castle Park on 20th August 2022Zoraiz Saeed (left) and Kishen Velani of Wanstead at Castle Park on 20th August 2022 (Image: ©TGS Photo tgsphoto.co.uk +44 1376 553468)

Kishen Velani then dominated a 102-run stand with Haaris Usman, hitting two sixes and eight fours in his 83 off 65 balls.

Ilford Recorder: Kishen Velani (left) and Haaris Usman of Wanstead at Castle ParkKishen Velani (left) and Haaris Usman of Wanstead at Castle Park (Image: ©TGS Photo tgsphoto.co.uk +44 1376 553468)

And Usman went on to score his maiden half-century for the team, scoring 50 off 67 deliveries, as fellow teenager Ali Zeb added 26 off 23.

Dismissed for 267, Wanstead then heard second-placed Brentwood were heading for defeat at Hornchurch.

Ellis-Grewal added: "We were struggling for availability and in a bit of an awkward position with the twos also top of the table.

"It's a balancing act, keeping the ones strong but not weakening the twos, hoping for a double.

"The wicket did a bit but Haaris [Usman] scored a really composed 50 and Zoraiz [Saeed] and Ali [Zeb] also batted well. Kish was different class again and we were happy with the score.

Ilford Recorder: Zoraiz Saeed in batting action for Wanstead at Castle ParkZoraiz Saeed in batting action for Wanstead at Castle Park (Image: ©TGS Photo tgsphoto.co.uk +44 1376 553468)

"At tea we knew Brentwood were seven or eight down and we didn't start very well with the ball and they got off to a very good start.

Ilford Recorder: Kishen Velani in batting action for Wanstead at Castle ParkKishen Velani in batting action for Wanstead at Castle Park (Image: ©TGS Photo tgsphoto.co.uk +44 1376 553468)

"We then knew Brentwood had lost and had four bonus points at that stage."

Colchester's openers put on 111, but then fell in quick succession and slipped to 127-3 as Wanstead picked up their first bowling point.

That left them needing four more wickets to be sure of the title on the day, but the home side's fourth-wicket pair put on 130, before Yuvraj Odedra (3-41) and Zeb struck late on to leave Wanstead with one hand on the trophy.

"We wanted to win and I got a breakthrough, but they were only three down until we picked up two late wickets," added Ellis-Grewal.

"Although we lost we had four under-18s in the side and I can't remember the last time that happened.

"There will be more on Saturday and three wickets or 130 runs at Chingford and once that is met it's game over.

"If the twos win on Saturday they will win the league as well, so it's good for the club."